Atractaspis aterrima

Atractaspis aterrima
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Atractaspididae
Genus: Atractaspis
Species: A. aterrima
Binomial name
Atractaspis aterrima
Günther, 1863

Atractaspis aterrima, commonly known as the slender burrowing asp or mole viper,[1] is a species of venomous snake in the Atractaspididae family.[2] The specific epithet, aterrima, meaning "blackest", is the superlative form of the Latin adjective ater, meaning "black".[3]

Geographic range

It is endemic to western and central Africa.[4]

Description

It is totally black or dark brown. Adults may reach a total length of 65 cm (25 12 in), with a tail 3 cm (1 18 in) long. The dorsal scales are in 19 or 21 rows. Ventrals 251-300; anal entire; subcaudals single (not paired) 18-24. Five upper labials, third and fourth entering the eye, fourth largest. A large temporal, wedged in between the fourth and fifth upper labials. First lower labial in contact with its fellow behind the mental; three lower labials in contact with the chin shields, third extremely large.[5]

References

  1. The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
  2. "Atractaspis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 29 August 2007.
  3. Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Comstock. Ithaca and London. p. 3.
  4. Spawls, S. & Branch, B. The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. Dubai: Oriental Press, 1995. ISBN 0-88359-029-8.
  5. Boulenger, G.A. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. pp. 515-516.


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